The Enchanted Locket

Chapter 2: First Moments

Mables Pov

The moment Mable Carter stepped through the grand entrance of Hogwarts, she was awestruck. The castle loomed before her, its towering spires and ancient stone walls bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. The buzz of the students around her was filled with excitement and nerves, a stark contrast to the grim silence of her past life. Her trunk, now a mere weight of anticipation, rolled beside her, and Artemis, her owl, hooted softly as if sensing the significance of this new beginning.

As she entered the Great Hall, Mable's eyes widened at the sight of the enchanted ceiling reflecting the twilight sky. The long tables, decorated in the colors of the four houses, were filled with students chatting animatedly. Mable's heart raced as she followed the other first-years toward the front of the room, where the Sorting Hat sat atop a stool, waiting for its new charges.

When her turn came, Mable stepped forward with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The hat was placed on her head, and she could feel its magical presence probing her thoughts.

"Ah, a new student with a strong will and sharp mind," the Sorting Hat mused in her ear. "You've faced much adversity, haven't you? But you have a deep desire to prove yourself and a knack for self-reliance."

Mable swallowed hard, trying to project confidence. "I just want to belong somewhere and make the most of this opportunity," she thought back.

"You'd fit well in Slytherin," the hat decided. "Ambition and cunning will serve you well here. And you have the strength to rise above your past."

The hat's decision was announced, and the Slytherin table erupted in cheers. Mable joined them, feeling a mix of pride and apprehension. As she settled into her new seat, she tried to ignore the sideways glances and whispered comments from other houses.

After dinner, Mable found herself making her way to Dumbledore's office. The castle corridors were a labyrinth, but she eventually arrived at the spiral staircase that led up to the headmaster's office. With a deep breath, she ascended the stairs and knocked on the large, ornate door. For a moment, there was only silence, and then a calm voice called out, "Come in."

Mable pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was filled with curious objects, all reflecting the warm glow of the candlelight. Behind the desk sat Professor Dumbledore, his kind eyes twinkling as he looked up from his work.

"Ah, Miss Carter," Dumbledore greeted her with a gentle smile. "Welcome to Hogwarts. Please, have a seat."

Mable sat down, feeling a mixture of nervousness and curiosity. Dumbledore's presence was both comforting and commanding.

"I understand your situation is... unique," Dumbledore began, choosing his words carefully. "Unfortunately, due to an unexpected influx of students, the girls' dormitory in Slytherin is currently full. As a result, we've had to make some alternative arrangements."

Mable's heart sank slightly, wondering what this would mean.

"You will be staying in the Head Boy's quarters," Dumbledore continued. "It's not ideal, but it's the only space available at the moment. The Head Boy, Tom Riddle, has been informed, and though he may not be particularly pleased with the arrangement, I'm sure it will be fine."

Before Mable could fully process this, Dumbledore stood and walked over to a small cabinet. "Tom, would you join us, please?" he called out, his voice carrying a note of authority.

Moments later, the door creaked open, and Tom Riddle entered the office. He was tall, with dark hair and sharp features that gave him an air of quiet authority. His expression was calm, but there was a hint of annoyance in his eyes as he glanced between Dumbledore and Mable.